Using the Peugeot 208 is a good starting base for Peugeot's latest challenger, the 2008 crossover. The 2008 is entering a sector that is littered with rivals including the Skoda Yeti, Ford B-Max and Nissan Juke to name but a few.

One of the standout features of the 2008 is its Grip Control system, which uses traction control to help the front wheels find traction. It means that it can cope with slippery conditions without adding a weighty 4x4 transmission. This doesn't mean that you'll be able to go mud-plugging any time soon, but it will help to keep you moving in adverse weather.

Peugeot has given the 2008 a starting price of £13,195, making it a competitive player in the crowded B crossover segment. The 2008 is aimed at motorists with families, as it offers a host of space, along with those who want to take the model off the beaten path.

Performance

We tested the Peugeot 2008 in Allure trim powered by the 82bhp 1.2-litre VTi engine. Practicality is more of a key strength rather than outright performance; however, the figures are reasonable. It will complete the benchmark 0-62mph sprint in 13.5 seconds and has a top speed of 105mph.

Numerous other petrol and diesel engines are available, with sizes ranging from 1.4- to 1.6-litres. Depending on the version chosen, the 2008 will be fitted with either a four-speed automatic, five- or six-speed manual, or five- or six-speed EGC transmission.

If you do most of your driving around town, then the 1.2-litre petrol will do you just fine. For longer journeys or off-road motoring, go for one of the flexible 1.6-litre diesels. 

Ride and Handling

There is plenty of front-end grip - so much so that you'd think you were driving a hatchback instead of a crossover. There is minimal bodyroll, while the ride comfort is impressive regardless of surface.

When it comes to handling, the Ford B-Max still sits at the top of the class, but the 2008 is not too far behind. The 2008 has not got enough feedback through the steering to worry the Ford just yet, but the French car does have a decent chassis and is a good starting block. There is plenty of front-end grip - so much so that you'd think you were driving a hatchback instead of a crossover. There is minimal bodyroll, while the ride comfort is impressive regardless of surface. The 2008 is not available with four-wheel drive. However, if you choose a 1.6-litre engine in Allure or Feline trim, it has Grip Control, maximising grip levels, especially in adverse conditions. It's never going to outperform an all-out 4x4 model like a Jeep Renegade, but it will help you through muddy tracks which a normal front-wheel drive model would normally struggle in. Five modes are available including Standard, Snow, All-Terrain, Sand and ESP-off modes with the rotary controller on the central divide. Models that come with Grip Control are fitted with all-season Mud and Snow tyres in 16- or 17-inches as standard.

Interior and Equipment

As Peugeot did not plan to release an ‘SW’ version of the 208, the company decided to replace the 207 SW with the new 2008 crossover.

Comfort levels on the inside of the Peugeot 2008 are very good. Up front the seats are well bolstered, although the sides could be more supportive when cornering enthusiastically. The modular seating arrangement makes loading and unloading awkward items a breeze. With the seats in place the 2008 has a load space of 360 litres, while this can be expanded to 1,172 litres of boot space when you fold down the rear seats. Equipment highlights in our test car included 16-inch alloys, rear parking aid and directional front fog lights. We also had a few optional extras like metallic paint, sat-nav upgrade, panoramic glass roof and heated seats.

Cost

You can dip beneath the 100g/km CO2 mark if you go for the 1.6 e-HDi 92 EGC S/S version, which emits just 98g/km of CO2.

The 2008 with the 82bhp 1.2-litre VTi Allure trim starts at a price of £15,595, with our options taking the price up to £17,940. On average, this version of the 2008 with the 82bhp 1.2-litre VTi has a claimed economy of 57.6mpg, while it emits 114g/km of CO2. This means that the 2008 falls under VED band ‘C’ and will cost you £30 per year on road tax. You can dip beneath the 100g/km CO2 mark if you go for the 1.6 e-HDi 92 EGC S/S version, which emits just 98g/km of CO2 and returns up to 74.3mpg. This version of the 2008 outperforms rivals like the Yeti, B-Max and Juke in terms of green credentials, with only the B-Max coming near with 99g/km of CO2 emissions. Residual values are strong for the Peugeot 2008, while leasing costs are in line with its main competitors.

Our Verdict

With a starting price of just over £13,000 for the range, the Peugeot 2008 is priced in line with its rivals. The 2008 has a lot of positive points going for it; it's practical, comfortable, good to drive, and offers a decent amount of kit even from the entry-level model. These factors should see the 2008 perform well in the B sector. Grip Control is certainly an interesting addition to the range, but motorists will need to be aware that it won’t be as good off-road as a standard four-wheel drive system. However, if you want a model that has enough space for your family and shopping, while also being easy to drive around the town and along the motorway, then you should consider a Peugeot 2008.